The main JPLAY/JCAT section is here - https://audiophilestyle.com/clubs/7-jplay/, where @Marcin_gps has setup shop here on AS to discuss all his products. 

The JPLAY for iOS website is here - https://jplay.app

I'm working on a full review of JPLAY for iOS as well.

DAC is a dCS Bartok so will be fed by copper Ethernet in.   Looking at a LHY SW-6 SFP router or Trendnet to either the LHY FMC or Sonore Optical Deluxe…?

thanks in advance for any thoughts you may share.

SFPs successfully used with MC220L:

Finisar FTLX8571D3BCL (supposed to be 10g but works ...)

GLX-SX-MM-TO (Cisco compatible labeled "iNet")

AXPONA 2018 announcement from SOtM

                                          For purchasing and further information, please contact:

May Park,

marketing@sotm-audio.com

www.sotm-audio.com

SOtM’s first network switch will be unveiled!

The sNH-10G is a SOtM’s first network switch for every network audio system. It has 8 LAN port and 2 SFP port, the sCLK-EX and the 10MHz master clock connector can be added optionally.

It will be revealed for the first time in the world at AXPONA 2018. Please come and experience its remarkable performance at Room 554.                                                                         

We will be having a demonstration for our first master clock, sCLK-OCX10, two separate times each day. Attendees will be able to see the direct comparison of sound with the sCLK-OCX10 versus sound without the sCLK-OCX10 during the demonstration. The audience will simply hear the higher level of sound offered by sCLK-OCX10. A Q&A session after the demonstration will be made, so if you are interested in SOtM system and the digital audio world, please visit and enjoy time with us.

All SOtM products would be used and demoed with Magico S1 Mk II.

SOtM’s all products including the forthcoming products certainly tell what the real value of audio products should be.

SOtM will become the most important partner in your music life.

www.sotm-audio.com

A new comer!

I'll try my best to answer question!

Recently I read this quote and it reminded me that I would like to learn more about your embedded solution(s) and how it might be implemented. Instead of asking you directly via email, I thought I'd help bring this feature to the public eye at the same time. It would seem with the increased popularity of appliance based servers, others might be interested in learning as well. Please feel free to expound upon your ideas beyond my specific questions.

Do I understand it correctly that this is akin to mpd, but on steroids- pre processing the FLAC and upsampling and then via ethernet sending those files to an NAA?

Do you make such an NAA, or is it simply a Linux Ubuntu ALIX appliance or something that one builds themselves?

In purchasing a license for "embedded" does it include the rights to your Network Audio Daemon and the Desktop server, or does one need to purchase two licenses?

Does the Network Audio Daemon do multi channel too?

How do you suggest to go from ethernet>i2s?

From the Emm Labs DAC2x thread:

"I'm running multi-room system isolating the DSP processing and playback from the actual audio playback over ethernet and it works great for me. So an "ethernet DAC" solution, but still without even necessarily requiring a new DAC (something I call "NAA" for short). Alternatives vary from Ethernet in -> USB out to Ethernet in -> I2S out. And it is practically configuration-free. And works with DSD too. WLAN has been also working great. Good side is that this is in many cases still a separate box from a DAC and can run battery powered (for example 4x AA batteries).

Biggest problem I see with traditional network player (UPnP streamer) way is that the playback device is still dealing with all kind of complex things like decoding file formats and dealing with player functionality in general. Not just functioning as a DAC - doing much more than plain DAC would. If the device needs to deal with things like decoding a FLAC it is already doing too much."

Signalyst

Here an Ethernet stream is de-jittered, optically isolated with FMC converters and regenerated.

Connections are input/output RJ45 and a USB-C connector for power. The front has LED bars for operational and power states, the communication device layout from the film 'Close Encounters of the third kind' is a strong resemblance!

Connection Detail

For now:

Server -> JCAT XE -> Netgear GS105 (Generic SMPS noisy PSU) -> Netgear Port 5 Cat 6 > iPurifier in > iPurifier out > DXPLUS filter > 25m Cat5e > DX Plus filter > EtherRegen (Mark 1) > ER output to Lumin U1

Essentially two levels of isolation in series.

Sound Quality

Tonally - No change

Extraction of minute details - Not noticeable. A linear power supply for the switch can extract more details, witing for a 120V 12V 5A PSU to arrive (Aliexpress job).

Image left to right - Still the same

Image height - A little more about a foot above the speakers

Vocals and instruments - This is exceptional. What happens is that main vocals are in the centre, contained in a 'focused bubble', any BV are spread between centre and the left and right speakers. Bass defies directionality, drums behind vocals. Any additional instruments are contained in their own bubble with uncanny 3D placement. Classical music is a good test for identifying individual instruments, easily. I like this device.

Still in the burning in phase, these are the results after 48 hours.

Don't place the iPurifier on a warm/hot surface like in the photo. it will shutdown with excessive temperatures. 

I have been trying out JPlay on my iPad connecting to JRiver MC31 as the library server with the SoTM SMS200 as end point. I’m glad to say it works in this configuration. There are a few unexpected things pertaining to how it behaves that I would like to sort out. Most important now is how covers are displayed. With some albums their covers are displayed correctly but with others JPlay displays a folder graphic instead of the correct cover art. I am certain the cover art is correct as they display correctly when I use JRiver natively or when using JRemote on my iPad. They also display correctly in Audirvana. What can the problem be? I have resynchronised the library on JPlay but that did not correct the problem. I have included a screen grab to show what I mean. See the album “Come Away With Me” and the two next to it on the top line. Any idea what’s causing this?

Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions. 

I have Merging NADAC (2 Ch.) as dac which is connected directly to my desktop through Lan cable (Supra Cables) which is running Roon + HQPlayer (V4).

I had installed Audio Linux as dual boot option on another SSD along with my Windows 10. While drivers and audio works/playback works generally fine (in Audio Linux), some times randomly the audio stops even though the playback continues on Roon. When I check the source on the DAC it shows the server (desktop connected) and I can even check the NADAC setting through it's web interface. To get the sound back, I either have to restart the dac or I have to switch to some other audio input (either of Co-axial/Optical/AES) and then switch back to the server. After doing this I am able to get the sound back which is quite strange. I am not able to pin down on the issue as I have tried the recommended Ethernet adapter settings and still the issue shows up randomly.

One solution is to go back to Windows, but I personally like the sound more with Audio Linux than with Windows. Even on windows sometimes I get this issue.

Any help in identifying the cause of this issue is welcome, especially those who have experience with Ravenna drivers or Merging products especially in Linux environment.

Regards,

Audio_phool

1. Are DAC cables brand-sensitive, like SFPs?

2. Can I connect a DAC cable from a 10G NIC to a 1G FMC?

It appears that the cable that Taiko recommends is available in the US:

https://www.fs.com/products/36699.html?attribute=8774&id=2370594

https://taikoaudio.com/taiko-2020/product/extra-dac-cable/

Thanks for sharing similar problems and their solutions.

Peter

I’d like to happily share details if possible.

After confirming that the etherregen had no issues by running it off its internal clock and then having @Superdad give it a look-see, I sent the clock off to Hong Kong, where Adrian confirmed that repairs were necessary.  For a fee, he fixed the unit and upgraded it to Emperor Signature SE status.

Since then, I have used it without incident until a couple of weeks ago.  It is up to its old tricks, while the etherregen itself runs okay off the internal clock. 

Before I send this off to Hong Kong again, I ask if anyone else has observed similar behavior from these clocks.  If so, I may apply my funds towards another brand of clock rather than additional repairs.  Has anyone else run across this behavior?

This is for two main reasons: 1. I don't want redundancies in my system 2. I really like the way my TEAC VRDS 701 sounds which I have no intention of changing.
I really wish the new streamer will have a 10M clock input because in the future I would like to buy a clock generator for my TEAC and I would like the streamer to benefit from it too.

Thanks for the suggestions you can give me, up to now I haven't found much with these characteristics.

Some streamers I have under evaluation are the Lumin U2 and the Auralic Aries G2.2. Unfortunately both don't have a 10M clock input (Auralic has a proprietary clock but this can be shared with the TEAC).  Even if we want to leave aside the clock feature (which I am very reluctant about) I can't find any comparison between these two. If anyone has done any direct comparison I'd like to know what they think

Thanks and regards,

Giuseppe

I am currently using a dCS network bridge (legacy product now) with Kii Three active speakers which I really like, via the Kii Control (coax input).

The dCS network bridge doesn't have a USB output so I can't use USB to the Kii Control.

I am thinking about changing the dCS Network Bridge to a newer streaming transport like the new Lumin U2 mini. The dCS is now 5 years old and it's not future proof since it's now a legacy product.

However, upgrading to the Lumin U2 mini that has more sampling rates may not make sense in my use case since I am going to be limited by the DAC from my Kii Threes. It seems that the DAC from the Kii Three got really good reviews but on coax limited to 24/192 PCM when using coax like with my dCS NB.

Should I upgrade(?) to Lumin U2 mini, I would have the possibility to connect to the Kii Control by USB and therefore use more of the capability of the Kii internal DAC with higher sampling rates.

Would such a move make sense? from a technical perspective it looks like it at first glance, but what about SQ...?

Thank you for your thoughts in advance! 

NB: These are the specs from Kii Three:

Direct to Kii speakers: AES/EBU up to 24-bit/192kHz PCM

USB to Kii control input supports sample-rates up to 384 kHz PCM, as well as DSD 64 and 128 --> not possible in my case since dCS doesn't have USB capability

Seems Luxman is using Lumin's software, app and processor unit.

Does anyone know if this is accurate or can offer other differences in the two products?

I've never heard the Lumin U2 but have had extensive listening tests with the Luxman. Assuming they are nearly identical would it be fair to assume the sound also would be nearly identical?

The Luxman processor

Lumin U2 processor

To cut to the chase: the Neo devices use a 3300uf 25v cap in place of the 2200uf 25v cap that is in the original models.  Below are the complete details of the original caps along with some alternatives.

A) Elna Tonerex 2200uf 25v – The original non-Neo Cap

This is a high-quality capacitor from a respected Japanese manufacturer, and it has less capacitance than what is used in the Neo.  I was unable to locate the datasheet for this particular capacitor, but Elna markets Tonerex branded caps for audio applications.

B) Nichicon Gold Tune KG 3300uf 25v – A good alternative cap choice for someone who wants to upgrade their SMS-200 to Neo electrical spec.

https://www.mouser.ca/ProductDetail/647-LKG1E332MESZAK

This is high quality audio grade cap from a premiere Japanese cap manufacturer that is the correct value for the Neo upgrade.  The nice thing about this cap is that it is a direct fit for the SMS-200 board (“snap-in” solder leads with 10mm spacing).  The datasheet for this cap indicates it was designed for high quality audio power supply applications.

C) Samyoung KMG 3300uf 25v – The cap SOTM uses in Neo products 

SOTM uses this cap if you pay SOTM for the $30 Neo upgrade.  I don’t know how to source this cap aside from SOTM Dealers.  Samyoung is a Korean capacitor manufacturer whose products are used throughout the SMS-200 and other SOTM products.  The main downside to this cap is that it’s lead spacing is tighter than the original Elna, so it won’t sit flat on the board; hot glue or silicon can be used to secure it in place before soldering.  The datasheet for this cap indicates that it's a general use cap, so no fancy pedigree here.

D)  Kemet PEG226 3300uf 25v – An alternative choice that could be similar or the same as the SOTM “Evox Upgrade”

https://www.mouser.ca/ProductDetail/80-PEG226HJ4330QE1

This is a very high-quality capacitor which was previously sold under the Evox Riva brand (Kemet bought the company).  SOTM offers an upgrade for $100 USD that is referred to as the "Evox" capacitor upgrade.  I have observed that SOTM has used Evox PEG224 series capacitors for power supply filtering in some of their other products, so it stands to reason that they are using something similar in the Neo Evox upgrade, however this is speculation on my part.  The PEG226 is basically a super duty capacitor designed for high ripple current applications and harsh physical environments.  This cap is an axial form factor instead of radial, so some minor contortions are required to install it.  Due to the bare exterior of the body, I recommend covering both the leads and the body with heat-shink to ensure it cannot short out against any nearby components.

I went with option D, as shown above.  I secured the cap in place with 3M thermal adhesive.  I also used this opportunity to covert my device to 12V operation.   While it wasn't night and day, I do think my player is sounding better in it's new configuration. 

It mostly works but I get these pauses mid track.  It happens with Apple Music and with Audirvana.  Anybody have a debugging method that might help.  I have not tried contacting anyone else yet.

Oh and it does sound good.  But the AES is hot...

The Schiit Urd is a very mis-understood device.  

Schiit calls it:  

CD TRANSPORT AND UNISON USB™ HUB

And the keys that most folks miss is the  UNISON USB™ HUB and DDC !!

I have an Antipodes K50 on loan for a while and right now I have been A/B ing it with the Schiit Urd.  I am using the AES output to my Holo Cyan 2 DAC.  So a cable swap is all that is needed to listen to either.   The Urd amazes me over and over again.  I pick music from one of my CD's that I have also ripped to my music library that is also stored on the K50.  The K50 is running Lyrion Music Server and Squeeze player.

Now here is where the REAL FUN begins.  My iPad Pro is connected to the Urd via USB and the iPad is running iPeng player software. iPeng paid version has the ability to turn the iPad into a Squeeze endpoint.From my iPhone I can now control the music playing through LMS to the Urd to the Cyan 2. 

Dig it!

Introduction:

Many smaller devices in the low to mid-price sector are now designed with an external power supply, especially when it comes to streaming music. The manufacturers here save an expensive implementation of the conversion of the AC – most common in the power grid – into the DC required in the device. Smaller manufacturers, in particular, then use inexpensive “off the peg” standard power supplies as external power supplies and refrain from constructing their own power supply solutions. For many of these smaller companies, such as Uptone, Sonore, etc., it would simply be too expensive to design different power supplies for various regions of the world, and then have them specified in the respective sales regions, or to apply for official approvals for them.

It is clear that a lot of (sound-)potential falls by the wayside. After all, the supplied cheap standard power supply at least ensures that you can connect and operate the device, you just bought, directly to the mains. From there on, there are no limits to an upgrade by replacing it with a higher-quality power supply from a third-party provider.

In this test I report on my experiences with various aftersales power supplies and their application into streaming music. E. g., I am using such power supplies for my internet router, LAN-switches, external hard drives, and even for my Melco combination of a N-100 (NAS-streamer) and a D-100 (CD-ripping-drive).

For this shootout, the main focus lies on the use of the power supply units in combination with my two Uptone EtherRegens, as the EtherRegen´s (= "ER") tuning measures are particularly strong and clear. However, these small devices look rather unspectacular at first. But they truly have an enormous potential for sound enhancement, if you bring this to light - and if you are ready to pull out your wallet accordingly. Like a fashion model, which often tends to look rather inconspicuous without make-up, the right dress, the right make-up, and the right photographer can transform her into an attractive eye-catcher. It's similar with the ER: With the right power supply, the right word clock and the right wiring, you can conjure things out of this small black box that increases the value of the device enormously - and also its sound capabilities.

Many users have also have achieved good results with cascading two or more ERs in series. In my setup chain, one Melco S-100 switch, followed by two cascaded ERs, do their work behind my router. Call me nuts, but the results of all of my sound tests were so clear that I don't want to go back today. Unless an even better technical solution might occur.

Disclaimer:

At this point, I would like to point out that the assessments, I have made, are based purely on my personal experiences in my private setups. However, different setups can lead to different sound results. Physical discussion of principles therefor may be held in other threads, please. A nice description with measurements of a selection of external power supplies can be found in this thread e.g.: Farad and other power supplies

I bought all the devices by myself at the usual retail price and rated them completely independently. I give my test results at this point purely for “fun sake” and look forward to a lively exchange of experiences afterwards.

And as always: YMMV (Your Mileage May Vary)!

My little LPS-shootout includes the following LPS: (in alphabetical order)

- Farad Super 3, 12 V

- Ferrum Hypsos (variable voltage adjustment)

- Keces P3 (dual channel, different voltage presets)

- S120 R-Core Dual-LPS (60 + 60 W dual channel, 12 V)

- Uptone Original-PS (as applied with ER)

- Zerozone R-Core LPS (50 VA), 12 V

Since the ER basically is more or less an Ethernet switch, I used to listen to music over various ethernet connections during my sound-tests. Here, I had mainly streamed music via Qobuz-Studio (preferably in Hires) and via several internet radio stations, like "PopJazz-Radio", "101 Smooth Jazz", "Jazz Radio Berlin", "Top 70s Dance Station", "Jazz Radio Groov´up DJ Master Phil”, “Linn Radio”, “Linn Classical”, “BBC Radio 1”, “80s80s Radio”, etc.

As a test repertoire, I had chosen the following songs by Donald Fagen (“Trans-Island Highway”, “Teahouse on the Tracks” and “Morph the Cat”), Sade (“Paradise”), Frank Sinatra (“Come fly with me "and" Fly me to the moon ", Live at The Sands), Westernhagen ("Zieh´ Dir bloss die Schuhe aus" on "Das Pfefferminz-Experiment"), Gregory Porter ("Concord" and "Hey Laura"), Nils Landgren (“House Party”), Tchaikovsky (“Piano Concerto No. 1”) and Gershwin (“An American in Paris”, jazz band version = symphony orchestra + saxophone) as well as everything else that was played “alive“ on those internet radio stations, during my test sessions.

And here now is my ranking in ascending order (the grades correspond to those of German vocational schools and cover the range from 0 - 100):

6th place: Uptone original power supply

What to say? Yes, this device delivers DC. And many users will even be very satisfied with it, because the ER can already achieve a sound-enhancing effect. But once you have connected a higher quality power supply to the ER, it quickly becomes clear that the supplied standard power supply might be sufficient enough to check the electrical function of the ER. But IMO, this unit is not suitable for audiophile needs and should be replaced quickly in order to uncover the excellent sound spectra slumbering in the ER.

Test result: Sufficient, 51 points (upgraded due to the fact that the device is provided free of charge with each ER)

5th place: Keces P3

The Keces P3 is a dual power supply, which means, it can supply two individual devices with DC at the same time. Various voltages can be selected and there are two versions available, one that delivers 5/7/9 V + 12/15/16 V and the other that delivers 12/15/16 V + 12/15/16 V, therefor the P3 can be used relatively universally. The device comes with a power cord and two DC-cables and retails for about € 450 at this time.

The disadvantage of the device is that the two channels of the P3 are not completely separated from each other. Even if Keces points out that the output channels have separate grounds, IMO, mutual interference or influences between the connected devices cannot be ruled out completely. That´s why I would not recommend operating two audiophile devices with one Keces P3 at the same time.

In operation, my P3 - even if it was set up freely - got very hot. So hot, in fact, that I burned my fingers on it several times. To be on the safe side, the device was then checked by the German distributer, but they did not find any faults in the device. Since the device did not convince me sound-wise either - yes, there was a small gain in sound quality compared to the original power supply, but this was purely subtle - the Keces P3 was not allowed to stay with me and had to go back to the provider. For me, the price/performance ratio wasn't right here, and I can understand why the Keces P3 didn't really satisfy the author of the power supply thread in the What'sBest forum either.

Test result: Sufficient, 57 points (devalued due to the strong heat development)

4th place: Zerozone R-Core LPS (50 VA), 12 V

Since the ER can withstand voltages of approx. 7 to 12 volts, I had purchased the linear power supply from Zerozone, via Ali-Express. According to the recommendations of many forum-users I had opted for the 50 watts 12V version. Alternatively, it can also be ordered with other voltages and other performance data, too. You can even determin the color of the front panel (silver or black).

The device usually comes without a power cord, but a DC cable is included, which I had exchanged directly for a Gotham UltraPro in JSSG360 version from GhentAudio. As a power cord I used, among others, a cable from AudioConnexion with Furutech plugs and a silver-plated 2.5 anniversary edition of the Supra LoRad.

With the Zerozone, the ER started with a completely different vigor. The sound spectrum "opened up" and the sound stage increased both in width and depth. Instruments now sounded more precise, more separated from one another and clearly locatable one behind the other. Voices showed more body and sounded more alive. All in all, the Zerozone turned the digital ER into an "analog" ER, if I can put it that way. The heat development of the device was also kept within limits, so the Zerozone can be used hidden in a closet, if needed.

The purchase price of the Zerozone was about 115 € plus shipping, customs and import sales tax. In addition, there were costs for the power cord (approx. 130 € for the AudioConnexion or approx. 155 € for the Supra) and approx. 70 € plus express shipping, customs and import sales tax for the GehntAudio DC cable in 0.5 m length.

This puts you at 300-400 € with the Zerozone, but IMO you will get a tonal added value that definately justifies the price which, BTW, is still below that of the Keces P3.

Test result: good, 82 points

3rd place: S120 R-Core Dual-LPS (60 + 60 W), 12 V

This device is a linear power supply too, but in contrast to the Zerozone described above, it has 2 "separate" channels with two independent ring cores, so that 2 devices can be operated individually at the same time. I have, or used to have in use two units of this model alternately on 2 cascaded ERs, my router plus one Melco S-100 (switch) as well as on a combination of one Melco N-100 (NAS-streamer) plus one Melco D-100 (CD ripping drive).

In terms of price, the S120 sells for 205 € plus shipping, customs and import sales tax and can be purchased from AliExpress. Again, the S120 comes without a power supply unit, but 2 DC cables are included, which I immediately exchanged for Gotham cables in a JSSG360-version from GhentAudio.

With the S120, the user can specify the required voltages for each channel individually during the ordering process. In terms of sound, there isn't much going on between this device and the Zerozone. If you are very critical, you might be able to notice minor differences in favor of the Zerozone. A little more transparency here, a little bit more of “black” background there, may be discernible in a solo zerozone. However, these are more of subtle nuances. A better cable can achieve bigger approvements here, so that´s why - in total - I see the sound spectrum of the S120 almost on the same level as that of the Zerozone, which  actually is some kind of remarkable, since this LPS can supply 2 individual devices without significant mutual interference at the same time.

In simple terms, the S120 consists of two zero zones packed in one housing which share one single socket on the input side. On the output side, it then runs mainly separated from each another in parallel. I have to mention that the heat development of my S120 is higher than that of amy Zerozone, but stills remains below that of the Keces P3. Therefore it´s possible to operate the S120 hidden in cabinets.

And that´s why, I rate the S120 a little higher than the Zerozone due to its broader range of application. And I would recommend anyone, who wants to supply 2 individual devices, such as 2 cascaded ERs, or one ER and one router with DC at the same time, to take this dual PLS in account. Especially since an S120, for which only one power cord is required, is cheaper and takes up less space on the shelf than e. g. 2 Zerozone power supplies.

Test result: good, 82 points (upgraded due to its 2 channels) 

2nd place: Farad Super3, 12V

The Super3 contains super capacitors (hence the name) and is manufactured by Pink Pro from the Netherlands, and is distributed via its own Farad website. During the ordering process, you can specify the required voltage level and, if need, you can even order some upgrades that are subject to a surcharge, such as various higher quality fuses, a Furutech junction box with rhodium alloy, and various higher quality DC-cables. Again, I had opted for the 12V version, and I had chosen a Supreme 3 fuse and the manufacturer's own Level 2 DC-cable in the more expensive silver version. A standard power cord was also included, which I immediately did exchang to a Supra Lorad in the silver-plated anniversary edition.

When I connected the Super3 to the ER, in contrast to all the other previously tested power supplies, new sound spheres opened up immediately. Based on the sales price, I had hoped for that to happen, but I had not honestly dared to expect that. E. g., the sound pattern opened up into all directions (also in height) and the audibility increased dramatically. Instruments could be heard separated from each other more clearly than ever before and voices seemed even more natural than with the Zerozone. The bass gained in conciseness and highs sounded clear and bright. It goes without saying that no interfering noises were audible with a power supply unit in this price range (the basic version of the Super3 costs about 585 €, the version I had ordered costs about 890 €) and the background was deep black.

Wow, one or the other might say now. The Farad version I had ordered already costs more than an ER. However, the ER achieves tonal spheres that are not possible to reach with the standard power supply. This is just streaming music on a different level. With this combination, for the first time I had the impression that I had come a good deal closer to my long-cherished wish to be able to enjoy digitally streamed music as if on an analog level.

In a cross-comparison on my Melco N-100, the Super3 also ensured a significant increase in sound quality, so that this power supply had convinced me so much that I had ordered a second Super3 in the meantime. Now both Super3s are supplying my two cascaded ERs in parallel and are waiting for new things (= Audioquest power cords) to come and which I have already ordered recently.

BTW, the heat development of this device is okay too. E. g., my two Super3 units are working side by side in one cabinet without any concern. To "calm down", both units – like my two ERs – additionally are weighted down with stainless steel door stoppers from HRB.

Test result: very good, 94 points

1st place: Ferrum Hypsos (variable voltage setting)

(The black bars on the two halves of the display are not an error, but are conditioned by the lack of synchronicity between the image refresh rate of the display and the exposure time of my iPhone when taking photos)

The Hypsos from the Polish company Ferrum is relatively new on the market and can be ordered directly from the manufacturer's website. Interestingly, it is a hybrid of a linear and switched-mode power supply, which Ferrum advertises as a kind of best-of-both-worlds. The device currently costs about € 985 and is supplied with a standard power cord and a DC-cable.

Incidentally, I found out about this device through Hans Beekhuyzen's YouTube channel, from which I had already taken a lot of good tips. Hans has posted a nice video, in which he presents the Hypsos in detail.

What I find practical about the Hypsos is that you can set different output voltages on the device in steps of tenths of a volt, so that this power supply can be used for many different devices. Ferrum even applied pre-installed presets for many common device types, which can be called up via the dimmable and switchable display and a control knob on the front. E. g., for the ER you have a voltage-preset of 9 V, which I had initially changed to 12 V for reasons of comparability. In addition, the device has a "sweetspot" setting option, which lets you determine the optimal voltage value for a single device very easily by sound testing and which can be saved in the Hypsos.

Due to the implemented switching elements, with this power supply unit the heat development is consequently lower than with pure linear power supply units, which might speak for a long service life. For the sake of completeness, I don't want to go unmentioned by the way that my wife was very impressed with the color scheme of the device – therefor the womanizer factor is already given with the Hypsos. 😍

And how does it sound? Quite simply: Excellent! The sound spectrum, the Hypsos helps to represent, is, in my ears, even more extensive than with the already superb rated Super3, even though you might need an appropriate equipment to be able to hear the differences here. My setup 2 (Denon PMA150h on two B&W 706 S2), e. g. is not able to reproduce these differences when I use the Hypsos to drive the fiber optic media converter (FMC) used in this setup (normally this task is done by a 30 W Zerozone power supply).

However, the stage that is set up by the Hypsos in my setup 1 (MP3100HV + PA3100HV from T+A + 2 Gauder "Vescova mk2 Black Edition") is beyond any doubt. Voices sound mainly sibilant-free, and instruments basically sound as one would expect, regardless which instruments the music is played from, e. g. electrically amplified guitars, or acoustic strings.

Of course, everyone has to decide for himself, whether a power supply, which costs about 1,000 € (if you add a good power cord, even significantly more) is an appropriate gadget for a EtherRegen. However, in my experience the ER in terms of sound technology is absolutely capable of benefiting from devices in this price range, and of increasing this. IMO, it is important that you look for a suitable power cord too, which, in addition to an additional external word clock, rounds off the entire ensemble (or as you might say: “piece-of-art”).

That´s why I call the Ferrum Hypsos my test winner, even though I am convinced of the quality and the sound-optimizing properties of the Farad Super3, and - in a price/performance comparison – those of the S120, too. However, for me, the Hypsos´ precise voltage adjustment feature makes this device a universal tool, which, BTW, fits perfectly with my Melco N-100 (NAS-streamer), too.

 Test result: very good, 96 points (upgraded due to the unit´s variable voltage setting)

Support for AES67, Dante, etc... is really great. UniFi switches are half the price of similar models from other brands that support audio over IP, plus UniFi management is fantastic. I'm very excited to see this. 

1. Use WiFi 2.4GHz for lower noise level

2. Setup 2.4GHz to use legacy mode (So you can disable WMM)

3. Disable WMM Support for lowest possible latency

Although your maximum bandwidth will be limited to 54Mbps only. However, you can get smooth bandwidth with lowest ping spikes with more micro detail. I'm quite surprised how WiFi can sound better than my expectations.

And if you want to have faster internet, you can always use 5GHz network and leave 2.4GHz for dedicated audio only. Some other options also affected sound quality too and I'm still testing to find optimal configuration.

I am able to ssh to the unit and access the GUI via http.  It is visible in Roon and I can enable it and play to it, Roon indicates that playback has started but the DAC doesn't lock onto any signal.  After about 30 seconds Roon skips to the next track but still no audio, rinse and repeat.  Comparing the Status screen with my working DigiOne (non Signature) the only difference I can spot is the enclosed:

Googling only turns up very old hits or problems with Volumio.

Any suggestions?